A Teacher, Prostate Cancer Survivor On a Mission

On any given school day in East Camden, New Jersey, James Waddington can be found engaging with students, not just about social studies, as he has done for more than 31 years, but also about the importance of cancer screening.

After his own experience with prostate cancer, diagnosed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he became a tireless advocate for early screenings – especially among African American men.

"I didn't realize that African American men didn't have conversations about prostate health," he said.

He believes screening, symptoms, and treatment shouldn’t be taboo, saying, "For us as men, we have to be more open about our health." James's advocacy aims to encourage these conversations to promote awareness and early cancer detection.

A devastating diagnosis

James's cancer journey actually began when he was diagnosed with diabetes in 2019, which led him to change his diet and lifestyle. During routine check-ups for his diabetes in 2020, his doctor noticed that his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were higher than normal and recommended that he see a urologist. In August 2020, he received the life-altering news that he had prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men, after skin cancer.

"For me, I heard cancer, and I thought death,” he said of his initial reaction.

However, after learning that prostate cancer can often be successfully treated, especially when caught early, he felt a sense of relief and a responsibility to ensure his family understood the situation. He wanted to reassure his children that his case was different from his father's, who had passed away from late-stage lung cancer just four months after being diagnosed.

Facing cancer as a family

James and his wife knew it was important to be open with their two children about the diagnosis.

When James decided to share the news, “it hit them like a ton of bricks,” he said. “I just felt I needed to get it out there so there would be no misunderstandings. I assured them that this was going to be a different outcome than Pop."

This moment brought his family together, and his son brought everyone together for a hug. This open communication and emotional support helped to strengthen their bond as they navigated the challenges of his diagnosis together.

Overcoming fear and finding purpose

James underwent surgery to remove his prostate in December 2020, and he described the surgery as more frightening than the cancer itself. After waking up from the surgery, he felt grateful to be alive and recognized that he had a purpose: to help others navigate their cancer journeys.

"I survived to be able to help other people get to that same point," he said. "I found strength in faith, family, and humor, which helped me cope with the challenges of treatment and recovery."

Becoming an advocate

Now in his third year without cancer, James has been active with the American Cancer Society (ACS), particularly emphasizing the importance of early detection and screenings.

His first ACS event was the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia. At first, he wanted to be active and planned on raising the minimum amount, but connecting with the local staff and volunteers to share his story felt empowering. He was featured in a local news story and found joy in the challenge of fundraising. He began to see it as a way to not only support the American Cancer Society but also share his story and encourage others to get screened.

"I tell these stories, and when people come back to me, that's the payment I'm looking for,” he said. “You can't put a price tag on life. Somebody's life gets changed or even saved and you know it's worth it."

In addition to sharing “I Love You Get Screened” campaign posters in his classroom, James also organized a cancer support group at his church, welcoming anyone affected by cancer. James emphasizes the importance of community support and awareness, often encouraging people to get screened and to be proactive about their health. He also lets others know about the resources available through ACS, such as Road to Recovery and Hope Lodge, which provide essential support to those affected by cancer.

“I make sure … people know that I'm a cancer survivor, and I owe a lot of information and just my motivation to keep speaking to the American Cancer Society,” James said.